Cat furniture can be luxurious and modern, just like furniture for humans. If you want the best for your cat, take a look at the best cat furniture options. After all, you don’t want to purchase the wrong (or just plain ugly) piece of furniture for your cat.
Do cats need furniture?
Do cats need furniture? They sure do! Cats may use furniture for a different reason than humans, but it’s an important part of a happy pet household. It is in cats’ natures to climb, rest, and scratch. Here's why cat furniture is beneficial:
- Exercise and climbing: Cats have a natural instinct to climb and jump. Furniture like cat trees provides vertical space, allowing them to stay active.
- Scratching: Scratching is a natural behavior for cats to mark territory and maintain healthy claws. Scratching posts or cat trees provide a designated spot for this behavior, helping protect your home’s furniture.
- Mental stimulation: Cat furniture with different levels or hiding spots keeps your cat mentally engaged, reducing boredom and destructive behavior.
- Reducing stress: Providing cats with dedicated spaces to climb, scratch, and perch can help them feel more in control of their environment, reducing stress. Cat shelves or perches can also be used to observe their surroundings or rest.
Having this option will only help them be happier and healthier cats.
What makes a good piece of cat furniture?
Ask yourself this question: What makes a good piece of furniture for you? Is it comfortable, practical, what you need, and worth the cost? Here are some of the main points of consideration when it comes to cat furniture:
Material
Find a good material for your cat that they will love and utilize, ideally featuring sisal, carpet, cardboard, or wood. It must be able to withstand frequent use, especially if your cat loves to climb, jump, or scratch. Heavy bases and strong materials also ensure your cat furniture won't tip over.
Scratching surfaces
Cats love scratching surfaces like sisal rope, carpet, or corrugated cardboard. These materials should be durable enough to endure repeated scratching.
Comfortable lounging areas
Cats also like to relax, so cozy hammocks, padded perches, or hideaway spots provide them a place to rest.
Easy to clean
Look for removable or washable parts, like cushions or mats, to maintain hygiene. This will be especially important if it is to become your new cat’s favorite!
Purpose
Every piece of furniture has a purpose. Your side table is not meant for lounging. Your bed is specifically made for you to sleep on. Cat furniture, like a beautiful cat tree, has its own specific use. A cat tree is used to be played, exercised, and slept on. You should be looking to buy a piece of cat furniture with a goal in mind.
Appropriate size
Whatever type of cat furniture you choose, it should be appropriately sized for your cat (especially if they are larger breeds) and fit well in your space without dominating the room.
Stylish design
As it becomes part of your home, modern designs and neutral colors such as white, beige, black, or wood can help the furniture blend with your decor, making it functional and aesthetically pleasing.
How to keep a cat from scratching furniture
Here are some effective ways to keep a cat from scratching furniture:
- Cover furniture: Temporarily cover the furniture with double-sided tape, aluminum foil, or plastic furniture guards. Cats don’t like the texture and will avoid scratching it.
- Provide scratching posts: Place sturdy scratching posts near furniture they tend to scratch. Ensure the posts are tall enough for your cat to stretch fully and covered with materials like sisal that attract them.
- Use cat deterrent sprays: Apply a cat-safe spray on furniture to discourage scratching. Cats dislike the scent, which helps keep them away.
- Trim your cat’s nails: Regularly trim your cat’s nails to reduce damage. You can also use nail caps (soft covers) to minimize scratching impact.
- Reward good behavior: Reward your cat when they use scratching posts. You can use treats, praise, or playtime to reinforce this behavior.
- Provide cat toys: Provide interactive toys to engage your cat and divert their energy from destructive scratching.
- Invest in cat furniture: Well-designed cat furniture is more appealing to cats due to its texture, height, and design. By offering them their own space, they are less likely to scratch sofas or chairs.
These methods combined will reduce furniture scratching while keeping your cat happy and healthy.
Best cat furniture options
Here are some of the best pieces of modern cat furniture for your cat.
Cat Shelf (2-Pack)
We get it: You may not have the space for a modern cat tree or the inclination for a bold piece of cat furniture. These wall-mounted shelves with a reversible configuration are ideal for active cats that love to jump, as well as cats that simply want a spot away from the activity.
Best for
The cat shelf is best for cats that love to hop and chill. Cats have the opportunity to jump up to a small shelf to sit and relax.
Special features
These wall-mounted shelves come with soft grey cushions. They are designed with reversible configuration in mind, which means you can mount each of them differently to give your room some variety.
Benefits
Mount these shelves anywhere on the wall at any desired height for your cat. You can easily put the two shelves next to each other or separate them at an optimal jumping distance.
Disadvantages
Drilling is required. These shelves have sharp edges, so they’re not considered child-friendly.
Pricing
$129 plus tax.
Cat Pyramid
The cat pyramid is a statement piece, no question about it. This A-frame cat tree—seemingly straight from the pages of your favorite modern home furnishing magazine—offers a maze-like structure with two climbing holes, a sisal scratch pad on the bottom level, and soft felt pads.
Best for
The cat pyramid is best for cats that are looking to climb and enjoy a maze-like structure.
Special features
This cat pyramid provides a modern-looking piece of furniture in your house. If you don’t like the normal look of a cat tree, then this is your best option.
Benefits
Felt pads are on every level with a unique vegetable-dyed sisal scratch pad. This makes it an excellent place for your cat to scratch away the day.
Disadvantages
This piece of furniture may take up more space than is optimal in a small apartment or setting.
Pricing
$249 plus tax. Qualified customers may pay as little as $23/mo with Affirm.
Cat Tower
The cat tower is a versatile solution for you and your cat. This cat tree’s cubic design includes three climbing holes, vegetable-dyed sisal scratch pads, soft felt pads, and a cat bed on the bottom level.
Best for
For cats that want to climb and scratch to their heart’s content, this is the best cat tower for the job.
Special features
This is the most stylish cat tower on the block. As a modern cat tree, it features three holes that are calling cats to come over and climb.
Benefits
Not only can cats climb on the cat tower, they can scratch the sisal pads. It also comes with soft felt pads and a cat bed on the bottom level.
Disadvantages
The price point may be too steep for some cat parents.
Pricing
$349 plus tax. Qualified customers may pay as little as $32/mo with Affirm.
Whisker’s cat furniture
Whisker has the most unique cat furniture around. These pieces don’t feel like your normal cat tree intruding on an otherwise stylish space—they will actually add some element of style to your home! Looking for even more of a modern cat life kick? Check out Litter-Robot, the highest-rated self-cleaning litter box for cat
